Sinclair Music Studio
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Interested musical styles
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Introduction: I specialize in private lessons for bass, rhythm and lead guitar and Ukulele instruction.
I accept guitar and bass students of all levels, from the hobbyist to the aspiring professional. The guitar is a physically demanding instrument and very challenging for younger hands. For this challenge I use the Ukulele for younger students to allow them to physically play a stringed instrument immediately. As the Ukulele has gained in popularity, I now have adults learning and enjoying the instrument.
I teach a very wide variety of musical styles. Over the last 37 years, I have studied, recorded, and performed in a wide variety of music styles. Whether you are into all genres of rock, blues, jazz, folk, bluegrass, slide, grunge, funk, country, rockabilly, finger picking, flat picking, R&B, heavy metal and beyond, I can help you learn the techniques and theory behind each musical style.
The rate for a one hour lesson is $40.00 and I also teach half-hour lessons at a rate of $25.00.
The videos below are a sample of the material that each student works with in between lessons. Each video is only one from a complete set in regards to that specific technique or song. Plus I included various performance videos of me playing a variety of music styles.
Overview
Hired 8 times
1 employee
16 years in business
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Featured Projects
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Specialties
Interested musical styles
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Reviews
Exceptional 5.0
16 reviews
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Josh H.
Sep 17, 2015
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Hired on Thumbtack
Hired on Thumbtack
Guitar Lessons
Kerry G.
Feb 8, 2014
I was a self-taught guitar player for 2 years prior to taking lessons with Craig. I have been taking lessons with him now for going on 2 years. I have gone from a beginner to now being able to follow and play songs all the way through. I can also do a considerable amount of improvisation and making music as I go. My interests lie in blues and 70's & 80's rock and Craig is able to not only help me with the songs I want but shows me how to make them my own with improvisation. I have learned rhythm and lead guitar from him and have significantly improved on my playing technique. He is very easy going and has a way to teaching that really helps you to understand what he is trying to convey. He is very flexible with lesson times. I especially like the tailor made videos that he often sends home with me. This really helps when I need to check something that we worked on a week ago or to help me with my technique by watching him. He's also an great musician, I really like listening to him play.
Chet M.
Feb 18, 2014
I have been working with Craig for 2 years now and have loved the experience. He uses a one-hour, bi-weekly lesson schedule which allows for an unrushed and substantively thorough lesson experience, and plenty of practice time in-between lessons.
Craig has allowed me to bring songs to him that I am interested in and we then work together using my songs and others to approach rhythm and soloing techniques, theory, and general music ideas and discussions. And perhaps the most beneficial part of working with Craig has been his embracing of technology in the form of mp3's, software (e.g., Guitar Pro, Amazing Slow Downer), printouts of lesson materials, and shooting videos either during or after lessons that I can take with me to use during my home practice and to reinforce our lesson topics.
I would consider myself somewhere between a beginner and an intermediate player, but would definitely recommend Craig to players of all levels.
Jason P.
Mar 1, 2014
I've been taking lessons from Craig for almost 4 years now. He is extremely knowledgable and has proven teaching techniques. He is always flexible and utilizes lesson time to the fullest. Craig will tailor lessons to each students interest. He will cover everything from music theory to soloing to rhythm in any music genre you're interested in. Always helpful and available for questions. The bi-weekly lessons work with my schedule and the videos, music sheets, and mp3s he provides are always a great resource for practicing at home.
If you are a looking into being in a band or just a hobbyist (myself) I would highly recommend Craig! He is an experienced guitarist and teacher and is always looking for innovative ways to help his students become better guitarist/musicians!
Tom B.
Aug 23, 2014
I would, without a doubt, recommend Craig Sinclair if you are searching for a guitar instructor in the Des Moines metro area. As a PhD in the field of education, I can honestly say Craig does all the things that outstanding teachers do. He works to understand exactly where his students are at and develops a plan to take them to the next level.
Craigs teaching methodology is student-centered, meaning he is serious about helping the student accomplish their goals. He uses technology in ways that have helped my practice sessions. He uses hands-on teaching tools to show how the technique should feel. I especially appreciate the videos he creates, I watch them later in the week during my practice to remember all I learned from the lesson. Craig knows music theory and leverages theory in useful ways to enhance his guitar instruction. He has a variety of chord sheets and tabs that he frequently gives me to reinforce what we learned in our lesson.
Craig knows a variety of guitar genres: rockabilly, metal, acoustic, blues, grunge, country and morehes played them all. Ive seen Craig perform a number of times around town
he may be the best guitarist in the metro! He is a true professional (doesnt drink, smoke, do drugs). Craig is a legitimate master of the guitar
and he know how to teach it to aspiring guitarists.
I have seen great growth in my guitar playing ability thanks to Craig. I will continue to take lessons from Craighe continues to guide me to become a better player.